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Does better gum health protect your heart?

The link between oral health and heart health may seem an unlikely one. But proper care for your teeth and gums may help lower your risk for developing heart disease.

Gum disease leads to inflammation—the immune system's attempt to heal injury. The chemicals produced by inflammation of the gums get into the blood. When they reach the heart, those chemicals may increase inflammation inside plaques of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart—thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

That association is controversial, however. "That's because people with severe gum disease have many of the usual risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as age, diabetes, poor diet, and untreated diseases," says cardiologist Dr. Peter Zimetbaum, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School.

Daily Health Tip

Stay active when away from home

Stuck in a hotel? Here are some ways to stay active. Do calisthenics such as jumping jacks. Jump rope. Exercise to a DVD. Walk the stairs between floors. Ask for a map of nearby outdoor running and walking routes.